House committee to pass scaled-back Nassar response bills

Long-debated legislation in response to the Larry Nassar sexual assault scandal could move out of House committee. Nassar is the former Michigan State University sports doctor who will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for sexually assaulting his patients.

There are more than 30 bills in the committee in response to Nassar. The committee has made amendments to some of them – but others might not get a vote at all. Bills getting changes include those passed earlier this year by the Senate.

Sen. Jim Ananich, D-Flint, he’s waiting to see what the whole package looks like before deciding if he’s on board.

“I would argue that what we passed was a thoughtful, reasonable, survivor-based plan," he said. "So if it still meets those goals then I think it’s something we probably can find a way to support.”

The committee has changed bills that would give childhood victims of sexual assault more time to sue in civil court or have a prosecutor file charges. The committee plans to pass a version that gives victims more time than current law – But it gives victims less time than the version passed by the Senate.

“We wanted to move the ball down the field and improve the environment for our children. So we’re gonna take what we can get," said state Sen. Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage. "Obviously it doesn’t go as far as the Senate, but we’re moving the ball down the field. So we’ll take it.”

The bills received pushback from several organizations – including universities and the Catholic church. They were concerned that if too much time is allowed to pass, the accused couldn’t fairly defend himself or herself in court.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and First Lady Sue Snyder announced Friday plans for a new 24-hour statewide hotline for sexual assault survivors to call for help, counseling, and resources.

“It’s critically important that all survivors of sexual assault have somewhere safe to turn for help,” Sue Snyder said in a press release. “This hotline will connect survivors with a caring, trained professional who can help provide them with the immediate and long-term support they need to begin their journey toward healing.”